Device for measuring floating micro-organisms and air conditioner including device for measuring floating micro-organisms

ABSTRACT

A device for measuring floating micro-organisms and an air conditioner including a device for measuring floating micro-organisms are provided. The device for measuring floating micro-organisms may include an air flow path through which air including floating micro-organisms may flow, a first main body provided at a first side of the air flow path and having a first space and a second space, a second main body provided at a second side of the air flow path and in which a collecting portion to collect the floating micro-organisms may be provided, a light emitter provided in the first space that emits a predetermined wavelength range of light toward the collecting portion, and a light receiver provided in the second space that detects a fluorescence signal generated from light which acts on riboflavin contained in the floating micro-organisms.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 and 35 U.S.C. 365 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0157712, filed in Korea on Nov. 10, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

A device for measuring floating micro-organisms and an air conditioner including a device for measuring floating micro-organisms are disclosed herein.

2. Background

Recently, indoor air pollution in buildings has gradually increased, as the introduction of external gases has been minimized and buildings are airtight in order to save energy. Accordingly, various legal restrictions on indoor pollutants have been gradually strengthened.

The indoor pollutants may include (1) particulate pollutants, such as micro-dusts and asbestos, (2) gaseous pollutants, such as carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds (VOC), and (3) biological pollutants, such as viruses, fungi, and bacteria. In particular, the biological pollutants may adversely affect a user's health. Recently, techniques which measure an amount of biological pollutants and purify indoor air based on measurement results have been developed.

Related art directed to these techniques is as follows.

(1) Korea Patent No. 10-1418295, registered on Jul. 4, 2014 and entitled “Pathogen Detection by Simultaneous Measurement of Size/fluorescence”, which is hereby incorporated by reference. This patent relates to a device and a method for simultaneously detecting micro-organisms and micro-dusts, for example, which are floating in air and in liquid by detecting fluorescence from micro-organism cells through a light source of a specific wavelength. The device and the method include an oval mirror, a laser source, a nozzle, a plurality of lenses, a particle detector, and a fluorescence detector. The device and the method detect the passing particles through an amount of the fluorescence by allowing air or water to be measured to pass through micro-flow paths and monitoring in real time.

(2) Korea Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-2014-0016923, published on Feb. 10, 2014 and entitled “Device and Method for Detecting Micro-organisms”, which is hereby incorporated by reference. This publication discloses a reflecting mirror, a light source, a plurality of lenses, two detectors, filters, and a beam blocker, and detects particles scattered in all directions through an amount of fluorescence by monitoring in a real time.

These related art devices for measuring floating micro-organisms have the following problems.

The related art device for detecting floating micro-organisms have a complex structure, require many components, and use expensive lasers and lens. Accordingly, there is a problem of added cost to fabricate the device.

Further the related art device for detecting floating micro-organisms has a large volume and is to be located at a specific position as a single device. Accordingly, there is a problem in that the device is limited to being provided with a particular household appliance or portable device. In addition, there is a difficulty in that the process must be accompanied by a separate fluorescent processing of the floating micro-organisms in order to measure the amount or concentration of the floating micro-organisms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a measuring unit or device of a device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the measuring unit or device of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating operations of a light emitter and light receiver according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating that light emitted from the light emitter according to an embodiment is transmitted through a collecting plate; and

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawing. However, embodiments are not limited to the disclosed embodiment and those skilled in the art will readily suggest other embodiments within the scope.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner of FIG. 1.

With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an air conditioner which is capable performing a cooling operation, a heating operation, or an air purifying operation is included in the air conditioner 10 according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the air conditioner 10, for example, is described. However, a device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to embodiments disclosed herein may be also provided in an air purifier.

The air conditioner 10 may include a case 11 which may form an outer appearance thereof and in which a heat exchanger 40 and a blowing fan 60 may be disposed or provided, and a front panel 20, which may be coupled to a front side of the case 11 and form a front surface of the outer appearance of the air conditioner 10. The case 11 may be a case of an indoor unit or device, which may be disposed or provided indoors in a case of a separate air conditioner, and may be a case of the air conditioner itself in a case of an integrated air conditioner. In a broad sense, the front panel 20 may be understood as a configuration of the case 11.

The case 11 may include a suction inlet 12, through which indoor air may be introduced from an indoor space, and a discharge outlet 15, through which, after heat of the air introduced through the suction inlet 12 is exchanged, the air may be discharged to the indoor space. The suction inlet 12 may be formed to be opened at at least a portion of an upper portion of the case 11 and the discharge outlet 15 may be formed to be opened at at least a portion of a lower portion of the case 11. In order to prevent foreign materials from being introduced into the air conditioner, a suction grill 13 may be provided at the suction inlet 12 and a discharge grill (not illustrated) may be provided at the discharge outlet 15.

A discharge vane 25 movably provided in order to open and close the discharge outlet 115 may be provided at a side of the discharge outlet 15. When the discharge vane 25 is opened, the air conditioned in the case 11 may be discharged to the indoor space. For example, the discharge vane 25 may be opened by a lower portion of the discharge vane 25 being rotated to an upper side.

The heat exchanger 40, which performs heat exchange with air suctioned in through the suction inlet 12, may be provided in the case 11. The heat exchanger 40 may include a refrigerant tube, in which a refrigerant may flow, and a heat exchanging fin, which may be coupled to the refrigerant tube, and thus, increase a heat exchanging area.

The heat exchanger 40 may surround a suction side of the fan 60. For example, the heat exchanger 40 may include a plurality of bent heat exchanging portions.

The fan 60 may be a cross-flow fan that discharges air which is circumferentially suctioned in a circumferential direction. The fan 60 may include a fan main body 61, and a plurality of blades 65 fixed to a side of the fan main body 61 and spaced apart in the circumferential direction. In other words, the plurality of blades 65 may have a shape arranged in the circumferential direction.

Flow path guides 71 and 72, which may be disposed or provided adjacent to an outer peripheral surface of the fan 60 and guide an air flow, may be installed or provided in the case 11. The flow path guides 71 and 72 may include rear guide 71 and stabilizer 72.

The rear guide 71 may extend to a suction side of the cross-flow fan 60 from a rear side of the case 11. The rear guide 71 may smoothly guide suctioned air to the fan 60 when the fan 60 is rotated. In addition, the rear guide 71 may be capable of preventing the air flowing due to the fan 60 from being peeled off from the fan 60.

The stabilizer 72 may be disposed or provided on a discharge side of the fan 60. The stabilizer 72 may be installed or provided spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the fan 60, and thus, the air discharged from the fan 60 may be prevented from flowing reversely to the heat exchanger 40. The rear guide 71 and the stabilizer 72 may extend in a longitudinal direction of the fan 60.

A drain portion or drain 80, in which condensation water generated in the heat exchange process between air and refrigerant may be saved, may be provided at a lower side of the heart exchanger 40.

A filter 30 that filters foreign materials in air suctioned in through the suction inlet 12 may be provided in the case 11. The filter 30 may surround the heat exchanger 40 adjacent the suction inlet 12. The air filtered in the filter 30 may flow to the heat exchanger 40.

A device 100 for measuring floating micro-organisms may be installed or provided at a side of the filter 30. For example, the device 100 for measuring floating micro-organisms may be installed or provided at an outlet side of the filter 30. Thus, at least a portion of the air filtered at the filter 30 may flow to the device 100 for measuring floating micro-organisms.

The device 100 for measuring floating micro-organisms may be capable of measuring an amount or concentration of floating micro-organisms contained in the air. Hereinafter, the device 100 for measuring floating micro-organisms will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a measuring unit or device of a device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to an embodiment.

With reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the device 100 for measuring floating micro-organisms according to an embodiment may include a case 110 and a measuring unit or device 200 provided in the case 110. The case 110 may include an inlet portion or inlet 111, through which at least a portion of air among air having passed through the filter 30 may pass, and an outlet portion or outlet 115, through which air having passed through the inlet 111 and the measuring device 200 may be discharged to the outside.

The measuring device 200 may include a first main body 210, a second main body 220, which may be spaced apart at a side of the first main body 210, and an air flow path 250, which may be formed between the first main body 210 and the second main body 220. The second main body 220 may be installed or provided on or at an upper side of the first main body 210, as shown in FIG. 4.

The air having passed through the filter 30 may flow along the air flow path 250. A collecting portion 260 that collects the floating micro-organisms in the air may be installed or provided in or at one or a first side of the air flow path 250. A grounding electrode 265 may be installed or provided in or at the other or a second side of the air flow path 250. In other words, the air flow path 250 may be installed or provided between the collecting portion 260 and the grounding electrode 265. More specifically, the collecting portion 260 may be provided to or at the second main body 220 and the grounding electrode 265 may be spaced apart from the collecting portion 260, and thus, may be provided to or at the first main body 210.

An opening 247 that communicates with the air flow path 250 may be formed on the second main body 220. The collecting portion 260 may be coupled to the opening 247 of the second main body 220. For example, the collecting portion 260 may be detachably coupled to the opening 247.

The collecting portion 260 may include a substrate and a discharge electrode, which may be provided on a surface of the substrate. The substrate may include a sapphire wafer as an insulation substrate, for example. As the sapphire substrate has hydrophobic properties, a water component contained in the air may be prevented from collecting in or on the substrate. As the sapphire substrate has an extremely high hardness, wear of the sapphire substrate may be prevented.

The discharge electrode may be coated on the surface of the substrate. More specifically, the discharge electrode may be provided on the surface of the substrate as a mesh (net) type. Accordingly, when light emitted from a light emitting unit or emitter 310 moves to the collecting portion 260, at least a portion of the light may be transmitted through a surface which does not have the discharge electrode.

When a high voltage is applied to the discharge electrode, a strong electric field is formed and corona discharge may be generated by a voltage difference between the discharge electrode and the grounding electrode 265. An anion (−) or a cation (+) generated at the time of the corona discharge causes the floating micro-organisms to be charged. Accordingly, the floating micro-organisms may be charged. The charged floating micro-organisms may be collected on the substrate of the collecting portion 260. A lot of floating micro-organisms may be collected in the collecting portion 260.

A plurality of space portions or spaces 231, 233, and 235 defined by a plurality of walls 211, 213, 215, and 217 may be included in the first main body 210.

A first space portion or space 231 defined by a first wall 211 and a second wall 213 may be included in the plurality of spaces 231, 233, and 235. The first wall 211 may define one or a first surface of the first space 231 and the second wall 213 may define the other or a second surface of the first space 231.

The light emitter 310, a first lens 320, and a first filter 330 may be installed or provided in the first space 231. A first supporting portion or support 315 that supports the light emitter 310 in the first space 231 may be included in the first space 231. The light emitter 310 may be supported by the first support 315 and may be directed toward the collecting portion 260. Accordingly, the light emitted from the light emitter 310 may be directed to the collecting portion 260.

A laser diode may be included in the light emitter 310. The laser diode may emit light having a predetermined wavelength or wavelength range. For example, the light may have a wavelength of about 405 nm or a wavelength range of about 395 nm to about 415 nm.

An output of the laser diode may have a value which is equal to or less than a predetermined output. When the output of the laser diode becomes too high, there is a problem of floating micro-organisms collected in the collecting portion 260 being destroyed before being measured. For example, the predetermined output may be about 20 mW.

The first lens 320 may be installed or provided at a light outlet side of the light emitter 310. The first lens 320 may be referred to as “a light focusing lens” and may perform a function of collecting the light emitted from the light emitter 310. For example, the light emitted from the light emitter 310 may have a dissipating angle of about 10° and according to this, the light emitted from the light emitter 310 may have a gradually dissipating path along a flow path toward the collecting portion 260. Accordingly, the first lens 320 may be installed or provided at the outlet side of the light emitter 310, and thus, the light may be made into a parallel light directed toward the collecting portion 260.

A second supporting portion or support 325 that supports the first lens 320 in the first space 231 may be further included in the first space 231. The first lens 320 may be supported on or at one or a first side surface of the second support 325.

A first filter 330 may be installed or provided at one or a first side of the first lens 320. For example, the first filter 330 may be installed or provided at a light outlet side of the first lens 320, that is, a position through which the light having passed through the first lens 320 is capable of passing.

The first filter 330 may be supported on or at the other or a second side surface of the second support 325. The second side surface may be an opposite surface to a side surface at which the first lens is provided. In other words, the first lens 320 and the first filter 330 may be provided at both sides of the second support 325.

The first filter 330 may function so that only light having the preset or predetermined wavelength region or range from the light emitted from the light emitter 310 passes through the first filter 330. In a case in which light having a wavelength region or range other than the predetermined wavelength range (about 395 nm to about 415 nm) is emitted, only light having the predetermined wavelength range may be passed through during a process in which the light passes through the first filter 330. The first filter 330 may be referred to as “a laser line filter”.

The light having passed through the first filter 330 may be directed to the collecting portion 260. A spread preventing portion or preventer 211 a that prevents scattering (spread phenomenon) of light may be provided at an outlet side of the first filter 330.

The spread preventer 211 a may be formed on the first wall 211 and may be provided so that a size of the first space is decreased when viewing based on the light path. For example, the spread preventer 211 a may be rounded from the first filter 330 in the direction toward the collecting portion 260.

By a configuration of the spread preventer 211 a, a spread phenomenon of light may be prevented and light focusing toward the collecting portion 260 may be efficiently performed.

When the light reaches the collecting portion 260, a fluorescence signal may be generated by the floating micro-organisms collected to or at the collecting portion 260. More specifically, riboflavin may be included in the floating micro-organisms. The riboflavin may be understood as a coenzyme contained in the micro-organisms.

The predetermined wavelength range of light emitted from the light emitter 310 may be understood as a wavelength range which can obtained a strong focusing beam, and a wavelength range which is determined to increase a vivo fluorescence signal expressed by acting on the riboflavin.

As discussed above, by the fluorescence signal being implemented by using a light absorbing or light-emitting phenomenon of riboflavin contained in the floating micro-organisms, there is an advantage in that a separate fluorescent processing on the floating micro-organisms is not necessary.

A second space 233 defined by a third wall 215 and a fourth wall 217 may be further included in the plurality of spaces 231, 233, and 235. The third wall 215 may define one or a first surface of the second space 233 and the fourth wall 217 may define the other or a second surface of the second space 233.

A second filter 340, a plurality of lenses 350 and 360, and a light receiving unit or receiver 370 may be installed or provided in the second space 233. The second filter 340 may be installed or provided on one or a first side of the air flow path 250. The grounding electrode 265 may be installed or provided in or at an inlet side of the second filter 340.

The second filter 340 may function so that light in a wavelength region or range which may be processed among the fluorescence signal which is obtained from the floating micro-organisms may be selectively passed through the second filter 340. For example, the second filter 340 may function so that the wavelength range of light emitted from the light emitter 310 may not pass through the second filter 340. Accordingly, the light which moves to the second space 233 by being reflected to the collecting portion 260 among the light emitted from the light emitter 310 may be filtered while passing by the second filter 340. The second filter 340 may be referred to as “a long pass filter”.

The plurality of lenses 350 and 360 may be installed or provided in or at an outlet side of the second filter 340, that is, a position through which the fluorescence signal having passed through the second filter 340 is capable of passing. The plurality of lenses 350 and 360 may include a second lens 350 and a third lens 360. The second space 233 may include a third supporting portion or support 355 that supports the second lens 350 and the third lens 360.

For example, the second lens 350 may be supported on one or a first side surface of the third support 355 and the third lens 360 may be supported on the other or a second side surface of the third support 355. The first side surface and the second side surface may be opposite to each other. In other words, the second lens 350 and the third lens 360 may be supported on both side surfaces of the third support 355.

The third lens 360 may be installed or provided on or at an outlet side of the second lens 350, based on the path of the fluorescence signal. The second lens 350 and the third lens 360 may function so that the fluorescence signal passed through the second filter 340 may be focused.

The second lens 350 and the third lens 360 may be a same kind of lens, for example, a light focusing lens. By the plurality of lenses being provided, collecting of the fluorescence signal from the collecting portion 260 to the light receiver 370 may be easily performed. According to this, an interval between the collecting portion 260 and the light receiver 370, that is, a path length of the fluorescence signal may be reduced. Finally, downsizing of the device 100 may be achieved.

The light receiver 370 which may be installed or provided spaced apart from an outlet of the plurality of lenses 350 and 360 may be further included in the second space 233. The light receiver 370 may be an element that receives the fluorescence signal of riboflavin and may include an element having a superior sensitivity to light of the predetermined wavelength or wavelength range. The predetermined wavelength or wavelength range may be a wavelength or range which is determined to detect only a light emitting wavelength band of riboflavin contained in the floating micro-organisms and not to measure a scattering light of micro-dust contained in the air. For example, the predetermined wavelength may be about 565 nm and the predetermined wavelength range may be about 555 nm to about 575 nm. For example, the light receiver 370 may include a photo diode and the photo diode may have relatively short reaction time properties.

The plurality of spaces 231, 233, and 235 may include a third space 235 defined by the second wall 213 and the third wall 215. The second wall 213 may define one or a first surface of the third space 235 and the third wall 215 may define the other or second surface of the third space 235.

The third space 235 may be defined between the first space 231 and the second space 233. A first circuit portion or circuit 410 may be installed or provided in the third space 235. A display device or display that displays information on an amount or concentration of floating micro-organisms from the fluorescence signal of riboflavin may be included on the first circuit 410 or a second circuit portion or circuit 420 described hereinafter.

The first circuit 410 or the second circuit 420 may include a power supply portion or power supply that supplies power to the light emitter 310 and the light receiver 370, a signal conversion portion or converter that converts the fluorescence signal recognized at the light receiver 370 into a voltage and amplifies the voltage, and a controller that controls elements provided on the device 100.

The second circuit 420 may be provided in or on the second main body 220. The second circuit 420 may be provided in or at a preset or predetermined installation space defined in the second main body 220. The installation space may be defined by a fifth wall 241 forming at least a portion of the second main body 220. For example, the fifth wall 241 may have an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape with an upper opening.

The second main body 220 may further include a transmitting light focusing portion 245 providing a path through which the light transmitting through the collecting portion 260 is capable of moving when the light emitted from the light emitter 310 reaches the collecting portion 260 among the light. The second main body 220 may further include a guide wall 243. The guide wall 245 may be inclined from an inner surface of the second main body 220 toward the collecting portion 260. In other words, a first extension line that extends from the guide wall 245 and a second extension line that extends from the collecting portion 260 may form an angle which is equal to or less than about 90 degrees.

The transmitting light focusing portion 245 may be understood as a space portion defined by the guide wall 243 and an inner surface of the second main body 220, that is, first and second surfaces. The first surface of the second main body 220 may be an upper surface based on FIG. 5 and the second surface thereof may be a right side surface.

A size of a space of the transmitting light focusing portion 245 may be configured to gradually increase in a direction away from the collecting portion 260, that is, a direction along which the light transmitted through the collecting portion 260 moves. By the configuration described above, the light transmitted through the collecting portion 260 may be prevented from being scattered. According to this, reduction of the fluorescence signal generated from the floating micro-organisms may be prevented.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating operations of a light emitter and light receiver according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a view illustrating that light emitted from the light emitter according to an embodiment is transmitted through a collecting plate.

With reference to FIG. 6, the emitted light from the light emitter 310 according to an embodiment may be transferred to the collecting portion 260 through the first lens 320 and the first filter 330. At least one or a first portion of the light among the light transferred to the collecting portion 260 acts on the riboflavin contained in floating micro-organisms P collected at the collecting portion 260. The other or a second portion of light may be transmitted through the collecting portion 260 or may be reflected or scattered from the collecting portion 260.

The riboflavin absorbs and then emits light. According to this, a fluorescence signal of a predetermined size may be generated. A path along which the light emitted from the light emitter 310 passes through the first lens 320 and the first filter 330 and is then transferred to the collecting portion 260 may be referred to as a “light path” or a “first path”.

The generated fluorescence signal may be transferred or reflected to the light receiver 370 through the second filter 340, the second lens 350, and the third lens 360. An amount or concentration of the floating micro-organisms P may be determined by the fluorescence signal recognized at the light receiver 370. A path along which the fluorescence signal passes through the second filter 340, the second lens 350, and the third lens 360 and then is transferred to the light receiver 370 may be referred to as “a fluorescence signal path” or “a second path”.

The first path and the second path may intersect with each other. An angle between the first path and the second path may be referred to as a path angle θ and the path angle θ may be predetermined as a setting angle. In other words, the path angle θ may be understood as an angle between a first imaginary line that extends from the light emitter 310 to a point on the collecting portion 260 and a second imaginary line that extends from the point on the collecting portion 260 to the light receiver 370. For example, the path angle θ may have a value equal to or more than about 30 degrees and equal to or less than about 60 degrees.

In a case in which the path angle θ is larger than about 60 degrees, the light emitted from the light emitter 310 is reflected from the collecting portion 260, and thus, a tendency to directly move to the light receiver 370 of the second space 231 is increased. Accordingly, there is a problem of accuracy being reduced by decreased receipt of the fluorescence signal generated from the riboflavin.

In a case in which the path angle θ is smaller than about 30 degrees, a tendency that the light emitted from the light emitter 310 is scattered from the collecting portion 260 is increased. Accordingly, there is a problem of accuracy being reduced by decreased receipt of the fluorescence signal generated from the riboflavin.

Accordingly, embodiments disclosed herein have an effect in that a reception sensitivity of the fluorescence signal may be improved by proposing the path angle θ be within the predetermined angle range.

A distance L from the collecting portion 260 to the light receiver 370 may be a predetermined distance (hereinafter, “setting distance”). The setting distance may be determined by focal lengths of the second lens 350 and the third lens 360. For example, the setting distance may be equal to or more than about 35 mm and equal to or less than about 45 mm.

According to embodiments disclosed herein, a light focusing degree may be increased by provided the plurality of lenses 350 and 360 having a predetermined focal length. According to this, there is an advantage of being capable of downsizing of the device 100 as the setting distance may be reduced.

With reference FIG. 7, the collecting portion 260 may be made of a material that transmits at least a portion of transferred light. Accordingly, at least a portion of the light transferred to the collecting portion 260 may be transmitted through the collecting portion 260 and then may be transferred to an inside of the second main body 220. In a case in which the collecting portion 260 is made of a non-permeable material, as an entirety of the light transferred to the collecting portion 260 may be reflected or is scattered, a problem of correct detection of the fluorescence signal being restricted may occur.

The light transmitting through the collecting portion 260, that is, the transmitted light Ls moves to the transmitting light focusing portion 245. As described above, the size of the transmitted light focusing portion 245 may be gradually increased in the direction away from the collecting portion 260, and thus, may guide movement of the transmitted light.

In other words, the transmitted light Ls may be prevented from scattering by moving along the transmitted light focusing portion 245 defined by the inner surface of the second main body 220 and the guide wall 243. According to this, there is an effect of preventing reducing of the fluorescence signal by scattering of the transmitted light Ls.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to an embodiment. With reference to FIG. 8, when the air conditioner 10 is turned on and then the blowing fan 60 is driven, the air suctioned in through the suction inlet 12 of the air conditioner 10 may pass through the filter 30 and then be introduced into the device 100 for measuring floating micro-organisms (S11).

The air which is introduced into the device 100 for measuring floating micro-organisms may flow along the air flow path 250. The device 100 for measuring floating micro-organisms may be operated, a high voltage applied to the discharge electrode provided at the collecting portion 260, and thus, corona discharge may occur. The floating micro-organisms among the air flowing along the air flow path 250 may be charged by the corona discharge, and thus, may be collected at the collecting portion 260 (S12).

The light having the predetermined wavelength range may be emitted by operating the light emitter 310 (S13). The emitted light may be transferred to the collecting portion 260 through the first lens 320 and the first filter 330. The transferred light may generate a fluorescence signal by acting on the riboflavin of the floating micro-organisms collected in the collecting portion 260.

At least a first portion of the light may be transmitted through the collecting portion 260 and then move to the transmitted light focusing portion 245. A second portion of the light may be reflected from the collecting portion 260.

The fluorescence signal generated from the riboflavin may be transferred to the second space 233 and the light receiver 370 through the second filter 340, the second lens 350, and the third lens 360. The light receiver 370 may determine the amount or the concentration of floating micro-organisms collected in the collecting portion 260 by recognizing the fluorescence signal (S14).

Information on the amount or the concentration of the determined floating micro-organisms may be displayed through or on a display device or display provided to or at the first circuit 410 or the second circuit 420 (S15).

Embodiments disclosed herein implemented with a simple structure in order to solve these problems, and provide a device for measuring floating micro-organisms which is capable of being installed or provided in an air conditioner.

A device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to embodiments disclosed herein may include an air flow path through which air including floating micro-organisms may flow, a first main body which may be provided on or at one or a first side of the air flow path and having a first space portion or space and a second space portion or space, a second main body which may be provided on the other or a second side of the air flow path and in which a collecting portion to collect the floating micro-organisms may be installed or provided, a light emitting unit or emitter which may be installed or provided in the first space portion and emit a preset or predetermined wavelength of light toward the collecting portion, and a light receiving unit or receiver which may be installed or provided on or in the second space portion and detect a fluorescence signal generated from light which acts on riboflavin contained in the floating micro-organisms.

A first path of light directed to a point of or on the collecting portion from the light emitting unit and a second path of the fluorescence signal directed to the light receiving unit from the point of or on the collecting portion may intersect with each other. A first path of light directed to a point of or on the collecting portion from the light emitting unit and a second path of the fluorescence signal directed to the light receiving unit from the point of the collecting portion may set a preset or predetermined path angle θ. The path angle θ may have a value equal to or more than about 30 degrees and equal to or less than about 60 degrees.

The first main body may include a first wall and a second wall. The first wall may define one or a first surface of the first space portion and the second wall may define the other or a second surface of the first space portion.

A first lens which may be disposed on or at a light outlet side of the light emitting unit and collect light emitted from the light emitting unit may be included in the first space portion. A first filter which may be provided on or at a side of the first lens and may be disposed so that a predetermined wavelength region of light among the light emitted from the light emitting unit having passed through the first filter is further included in the first space portion.

A spread preventing portion which may be provided on or at an outlet side of the first filter and prevent light scattering by extending so that a size of the first space portion is decreased toward the collecting portion may further be included. The spread preventing portion may be formed by extending the first wall to be rounded.

A laser diode which is capable of emitting a predetermined wavelength region or range of light may be included in the light emitting unit. The predetermined wavelength region may have about 395 nm to 415 nm of a wavelength region.

A substrate in which the floating micro-organisms may be collected, and a discharge electrode, which may be provided in the substrate and to which a high voltage may be applied, may be included in the collecting portion.

The first main body may include a third wall and a fourth wall. The third wall may define one or a first surface of the second space portion, and the fourth wall may define the other or a second surface of the second space portion.

A second filter, which may be installed or provided in or at an inlet of the light receiving unit and may be restricted so that the fluorescence signal may be allowed to pass through the second filter and the wavelength region of light emitted from the light emitting unit is not allowed to pass through the second filter, may be included in the second space portion.

A lens, which may focus the fluorescence signal which passes through the second filter, may be installed or provided in or at a side of the second filter, and the fluorescence signal which passes through the lens may be transferred to the light receiving unit. The lens may be a plurality of lenses.

An element which detects only a light emitting wavelength band of riboflavin included in the floating micro-organisms and is capable of receiving a wavelength region of determined light so that scattering light of micro-dust included in air is not measured may be included in the light receiving unit. The wavelength region of predetermined light may be about 555 nm to about 575 nm.

A guide wall, which may extend from an inner surface of the second main body toward the collecting portion, and a transmitting light focusing portion, which may include a space defined by the inner surface of the second main body and the guide wall and guide movement of the light transmitted through the collecting portion, may be included in the second main body. A size of the space of the transmitting light focusing portion may be configured to be gradually increased in a direction away from the collecting portion, and thus, scattering of the light which is transmitted through the collecting portion may be prevented.

A display device or display, which may be provided in the first main body or the second main body and display information regarding a concentration of the float micro-organisms recognized through the light receiving unit, may further be included.

An air conditioning device or air conditioner including the device for measuring floating micro-organisms may be further included.

According to embodiments disclosed herein, a device for measuring floating micro-organisms having a small size is provided and the device may be installed or provided in an air conditioner. Accordingly, a concentration of floating micro-organisms in the air suctioned into the air conditioner may be easily measured. There is an advantage in that a collecting rate of the fluorescence signal emitted from the floating micro-organisms may be improved, as a length of a light path directed to a collecting plate from the light emitter and a length of a light path directed to the light receiving unit from the collecting plate may be shortened.

There is an effect of simplifying a measuring process through the device for measuring floating micro-organisms, as a fluorescence signal may be implemented using light absorption or light emission phenomena of riboflavin contained in the floating micro-organisms, without the need for a separate fluorescent process on the floating micro-organisms. Further, there is an effect of not measuring the scattering light of micro-dusts, for example, included in flowing air, and thus, being capable of relatively correctly measuring an amount of floating micro-organisms, as the light receiver may include an element which can detect only light emitting a wavelength band of riboflavin.

Furthermore, there is an advantage of being capable of reducing a fabricating cost of the device, as the light emitter is configured using a laser diode which is inexpensive compared to the light source (light emitter) of the related art. Also, there is an effect of being capable of easily measuring the floating micro-organisms in the air by operating the device for measuring floating micro-organisms having a simple structure, according to a method for controlling the device described above.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for measuring floating micro-organisms, the device comprising: a first main body having a first space and a second space defined by a plurality of walls; a second main body which is spaced apart to a side of the first main body and in which a collecting portion to collect floating micro-organisms is provided; an air flow path which is formed between the first main body and the second main body through which air including the floating micro-organisms flows; a light emitter provided in the first space, wherein the light emitter emits a predetermined wavelength range of light toward the collecting portion; and a light receiver provided in the second space, wherein the light receiver detects a fluorescence signal generated from the light which acts on riboflavin contained in the floating micro-organisms, wherein a first path of light directed to a point on the collecting portion from the light emitter and a second path of the fluorescence signal directed to the light receiver from a point on the collecting portion intersect.
 2. The device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to claim 1, wherein the first path and the second path define a path angle, and wherein the path angle has a value equal to or more than about 30 degrees and equal to or less than about 60 degrees.
 3. The device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to claim 1, wherein the first main body includes a first wall and a second wall, and wherein the first wall defines a first surface of the first space and the second wall defines a second surface of the first space.
 4. The device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to claim 3, wherein a first lens, which is disposed at a light outlet side of the light emitter and collects light emitted from the light emitter, is provided in the first space.
 5. The device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to claim 4, wherein a first filter, which is provided at a side of the first lens and disposed so that the predetermined wavelength range of light passes through the first filter, is provided in the first space.
 6. The device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to claim 5, further including: a spread preventer provided at an outlet side of the first filter to prevent light scattering, wherein the spread preventer extends such that a size of the first space is decreased toward the collecting portion.
 7. The device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to claim 6, wherein the spread preventer is formed by extending the first wall to be rounded.
 8. The device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to claim 5, wherein the first main body includes a third wall and a fourth wall, and wherein the third wall defines a first surface of the second space and the fourth wall defines a second surface of the second space.
 9. The device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to claim 8, wherein the second space includes a second filter which is provided at an inlet of the light receiver, wherein the second filter is configured so that the fluorescence signal is allowed to pass through the second filter and the wavelength range of light emitted from the light emitter is not passed through the second filter.
 10. The device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to claim 9, wherein at least one lens that focuses the fluorescence signal which passes through the second filter is provided at a side of the second filter, and wherein the fluorescence signal which passes through the lens is transferred to the light receiver.
 11. The device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to claim 10, wherein the at least one lens includes a plurality of lenses.
 12. The device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to claim 1, wherein the light emitter includes a laser diode which is capable of emitting the predetermined wavelength range of light.
 13. The device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined wavelength range is about 395 nm to about 415 nm.
 14. The device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to claim 1, wherein the collecting portion includes: a substrate on which the floating micro-organisms are collected; and a discharge electrode which is provided on the substrate and to which a high voltage is applied.
 15. The device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to claim 1, wherein the light receiver includes an element which is capable of receiving a predetermined wavelength range of light, and wherein the element detects a light emitting wavelength band of the riboflavin included in the floating micro-organisms and does not detect the scattering light of micro-dust included in the air.
 16. The device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to claim 15, wherein the predetermined wavelength range of light is about 555 nm to about 575 nm.
 17. The device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to claim 1, wherein the second main body includes: a guide wall that extends from an inner surface of the second main body toward the collection portion; and a transmitting light focusing portion that includes a space defined by the inner surface of the second main body and the guide wall and guides movement of the light transmitted through the collecting portion.
 18. The device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to claim 17, wherein a size of the space of the transmitting light focusing portion is configured to be gradually increased in a direction away from the collecting portion to prevent light transmitted through the collecting portion from being scattered.
 19. The device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to claim 1, further including: a display provided in the first main body or the second main body, wherein the display displays information regarding a concentration of the floating micro-organisms recognized through the light receiver.
 20. An air conditioner including the device for measuring floating micro-organisms according to claim
 1. 